English 
Français 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Русский 
Español 
Português 
Nederlandse 
Ελληνικά 
日本語 
한국 
Polski 
فارسی 
বাংলা 
ไทย 
Tiếng Việt 
العربية 
हिन्दी 
Türkçe 
Indonesia 
Glass Thickness Guide: How to Specify the Right Panel for Your Balustrade
One size does not fit all—and the wrong thickness can compromise both safety and aesthetics.
Glass thickness is not just about strength. It affects hardware compatibility, shipping costs, handling requirements, and regulatory compliance. Here is a straightforward guide to help you specify with confidence.
| Application | Recommended Thickness | Glass Type |
|---|---|---|
| Internal stair partitions / low-risk infill | 8 – 10 mm | Toughened (tempered) |
| Internal frameless spigot systems | 12 mm | Toughened |
| Residential decks / standard balconies | 12 mm | Toughened |
| External terraces (fall < 1m) | 12 – 15 mm | Toughened or laminated |
| External (fall > 1m, no handrail) | 15 – 17.5 mm | Laminated |
| Oceanfront / high-rise buildings | 15 – 21.5 mm | Laminated (50% more anchors recommended) |
| Public pools / commercial high-traffic | 17.5 – 21.5 mm | Triple-laminated |
| Glass Type | How It's Made | Breakage Behaviour | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toughened (Tempered) | Heat-treated for strength | Shatters into small, blunt granules | Indoor, low-risk, or where handrails are present |
| Laminated | Two or more plies bonded with PVB/SGP interlayer | Retains shards—remains intact after impact | Mandatory for pool fencing, overhead glazing, and any fall-protection application |
Glass thickness can vary by ±0.2 to 0.5 mm from the nominal size. A "12mm" panel might actually be 11.8mm. This is why Railing‑O designs all spigots, clamps, and base channels with adjustable gaskets and a compression range—ensuring a secure grip across the tolerance band without over-stressing the glass.
Our full range of hardware is engineered to accommodate glass from 8mm to 21.5mm, available in both 304 and 316 stainless steel. We provide:
- ✅ Compatible spigots, clamps, and base channels for every thickness
- ✅ EPDM gaskets for secure, rattle-free fit
- ✅ Free CAD drawings and installation guides
- ✅ Export packaging designed to protect both hardware and glass
Send your inquiry directly to us
